4 Things To Do Before You Shoot Your New AR-15

Published on March 22, 2024
Duration: 18:45

Before firing a new AR-15, perform a thorough inspection of critical fasteners like the castle nut and gas key, ensuring they are tight and properly staked. Conduct a comprehensive dry function test, checking safety, trigger, bolt catch, and magazine release. Clean and lubricate the rifle, especially the bolt carrier group and bore, to remove factory grease and debris. Establishing a maintenance log with round counts is crucial for tracking component life and predicting future needs.

Quick Summary

Before firing a new AR-15, perform a visual inspection, check critical fasteners like the castle nut and gas key for tightness and staking, conduct a dry function test, and thoroughly clean and lubricate the rifle, especially the bolt carrier group and bore.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Disclaimer
  2. 01:12Basic Visual & Physical Inspection
  3. 02:18Checking Critical Fasteners
  4. 07:29Comprehensive Function Test
  5. 10:15Cleaning and Lubrication
  6. 12:28Establishing a Maintenance Log

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential steps before shooting a new AR-15?

Before shooting a new AR-15, perform a visual inspection, check critical fasteners for tightness and staking, conduct a dry function test (safety, trigger, bolt catch), and thoroughly clean and lubricate the rifle, especially the bolt carrier group and bore.

Why is checking fasteners important on a new AR-15?

Checking critical fasteners like the castle nut and gas key ensures they are tight and properly staked. This prevents components from loosening or failing during operation, which is crucial for the rifle's reliability and safety.

What should be included in a dry function test for an AR-15?

A dry function test involves cycling the action and checking the safety selector's engagement, the trigger pull and reset, the bolt catch operation, and the magazine release. Using snap caps can also verify feeding and extraction without live ammo.

Should a new AR-15 be cleaned before its first shot?

Yes, new AR-15s often have factory grease or manufacturing debris. Cleaning with CLP or a suitable lubricant, paying attention to the bolt carrier group and bore, ensures optimal performance and prevents potential issues on the first range trip.

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